THE UN TAKES CLIMATE ACTION

We must change course by 2020, the UN Secretary-General has said, or we risk missing the point where we can avoid the “disastrous consequences for people and all the natural systems that sustain us.”

Women as agents of change

Cities and local action

The UN Secretary-General has singled out women’s leadership for their unique ability as “drivers of solutions” when they are empowered. In rural and developing countries, women play a significant role in supporting their households, as care-takers, providers of food, and income generators for the family.

Disasters, Resilience and Land Management

Resilience

A primary premise of the Paris Agreement is consensus on the need to strengthen the resilience to climate impacts, focusing on the poorest and most vulnerable. Poorer communities, particularly rural areas in developing countries, are less equipped to deal with increasing natural disasters; livelihoods are lost in already fragile economies, forcing people to leave their homes and, at times, sparking conflict over land and food sources.

Early Warning Systems

Cities and local action

Early warning system is an adaptive measure for climate change, using integrated communication systems to help communities prepare for hazardous climate-related events. A successful EWS saves lives and jobs, land and infrastructures and supports long-term sustainability. Early warning systems will assist public officials and administrators in their planning, saving money in the long run and protecting economies.

Green Jobs: the only way to go

Industry transition

According to an International Labor Organization (ILO) ILO report, 24 million new jobs will be created globally by 2030, provided sustainable practices are adopted and implemented. Doing so will also enable millions of people to overcome poverty and enjoy improved livelihoods.

Cities and Pollution contribute to climate change

Energy transition

Cities are major contributors to climate change. According to UN Habitat, cities consume 78 per cent of the world’s energy and produce more than 60 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, they account for less than 2 per cent of the Earth’s surface.

Education is key to addressing climate change

Cities and local action

Education is a critical agent in addressing the issue of climate change. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) assigns responsibility to Parties of the Convention to undertake educational and public awareness campaigns on climate change, and to ensure public participation in programmes and information access on the issue.